Ray Torrejon, Water / Wastewater Area Manager, Southeast Region, PCL Construction
In an interview with Invest:, Ray Torrejon, area manager of PCL Construction, shared how they are driving growth in Tampa Bay through innovative water and wastewater projects, outlined strategies to address workforce challenges, and explained why fostering community engagement is a cornerstone of PCL Construction’s values.
What makes the Tampa Bay region an ideal location for PCL Construction, and how does the region compare to other markets PCL operates in?
It is the amount of collaborative partners we have in the market. We have many engineering partners that have their main offices in Tampa, making it a strategic hub for PCL. Additionally, numerous nationwide partners base resources in Tampa that support projects across various states, enhancing our ability to collaborate and deliver on a national scale.
It has been a beneficial partnership on that front.The second thing is that it is a growing market. The influx of people has really caused the Tampa area to grow so rapidly that owners are now in a position where they need to expand their current treatment plants or upgrade technologies. It is an exciting time for a contractor in the Tampa market right now.
Are there any ongoing or upcoming projects in Tampa or the surrounding areas that you are particularly excited about?
One of the key areas that is exciting for PCL within the water and wastewater market is the emergence of advanced technology for water reuse. This is a major topic, especially in Florida, but even more so in the Tampa region. The focus is on planning for the future, considering how we will sustain ourselves with the growing demands for water. New technologies are being explored to help drive that and reuse water more effectively.
On the water side, a major focus is addressing Per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals.” These contaminants are a growing concern throughout Florida, as they are in other states across the U.S., and addressing these is a big driver for new technology advancements on water treatment plants. Compliance is critical, making PFAS mitigation and water reuse two key priorities for our efforts in the Tampa area.
With Tampa Bay’s population and business growth, where do you see the biggest opportunities for PCL Construction to expand its footprint or services in the region?
Our biggest opportunities lie in the surrounding areas of the Tampa market. Tampa itself continues to be a high-demand metropolitan area, but as the surrounding areas grow, there is a need for more infrastructure to accommodate the influx of people. This has resulted in new water and wastewater treatment plants and facilities, as well as expansions happening at a rapid pace which is creating significant opportunities for PCL.
How does PCL Construction stay competitive in the real estate market amidst increasing competition and changing buyer preferences?
The key is our collaborative delivery. Florida in general, and Tampa specifically, is a collaborative market. They utilize many design-build, progressive design-build, and CMAR (Construction Manager at Risk) delivery approaches. These methods are deeply ingrained in our DNA as a company. We are a collaborative organization, and this falls right in line with how we deliver projects.
This approach allows us to build strong relationships with owners, clients, and engineering partners. By becoming deeply involved in the systems, processes, and expectations of our clients, we can consistently meet and exceed their expectations.
CMAR is an alternative delivery method similar to the progressive design-build method. This approach allows the contractor to become involved during the design phase, rather than waiting for the design to be completed 100%. Typically, the contractor comes in at a design stage of anywhere from 30-60% and provides constructability feedback. Owners often use this method to accelerate project schedules or to achieve cost certainty before finalizing the design. It is an effective approach for certain types of projects.
Are there any partnerships or collaborations with local governments or organizations that have been instrumental in advancing your projects?
Partnerships have been extremely instrumental in the successful completion of water and wastewater infrastructure projects. The way we approach partnerships is by assessing compatibility to ensure strong collaboration. In such a busy market like Tampa, we frequently collaborate with partners and engineering firms we have worked with nationwide, often bringingthese established relationships into the local market organically.
When it comes to owners, it is about successfully delivering a project and understanding their expectations. Meeting and exceeding those expectations creates trust and fosters long-term partnerships. These partnerships often extend from one project to the next, allowing us to continue providing our services effectively.
Given the recent hurricanes affecting Florida, what measures is PCL Construction implementing to enhance the region’s resilience to such events?
That is one of the advantages of being a local contractor in the Tampa Bay market. We are often called upon for repairs after hurricanes. Additionally, we are increasingly being consulted for constructability reviews to build more resilient structures. These consultations involve considerations like upsizing certain pumps, constructing larger structures, or building more seawalls. These requests come from cities, owners, and engineering firms early in the design process. Our knowledge of what is constructible has proven invaluable to these stakeholders.
What technological innovations is PCL adopting to ensure the resilience and safety of its construction projects in the Tampa Bay area?
To gain a deeper understanding of every aspect of a project, PCL maximizes advanced technology to deliver real-time insights and data-driven decisions. We collaborate with clients to review results and drive timely analysis, leading to improved efficiency and functionality. For over a decade, we have utilized Building Information Modeling (BIM), and now we are incorporating augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR). These tools allow us to depict models provided by engineers, integrate them into our systems, and offer a clearer, more detailed picture to owners. This visualization helps clients and end-users understand the impact on their day-to-day lives and the final appearance of projects. Our focus on virtual technologies helps us collaborate more effectively with clients and engineering partners, ensuring projects are resilient and achievable.
What types of real estate developments, such as residential, mixed-use, or commercial, are in high demand in the Tampa region right now?
Two major trends are emerging in the water/wastewater infrastructure space. First, water reuse is gaining attention. Wastewater treatment plants are gradually adopting this approach, though it requires significant upfront effort to educate the public on its long-term benefits. Second, addressing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in groundwater is becoming critical, the forever chemicals that I mentioned before. These industrial chemicals, which can cause cancer, are subject to tighter restrictions on permissible levels in water. Treating these chemicals to ensure clean water will be a major focus nationwide. Additionally, Tampa’s population growth continues to drive development. While we are not developers, we support this growth by servicing water, wastewater, and pipeline needs. This demand shows no signs of slowing as the Tampa Bay region expands.
What initiatives has PCL taken for foster community engagement efforts in the Tampa Bay area?
Community engagement is a core part of our culture. At the project level, it is almost standard for our teams to participate in initiatives like river and beach cleanups. On a broader scale, we support organizations such as United Way and Feed Tampa Bay through donations and active participation. These efforts reflect our commitment to giving back and staying involved in the communities where we live and work.
How would you describe the labor pool for construction and real estate development professionals in Tampa?
Addressing workforce challenges has been a priority for years as construction is facing a tough labor market nationwide. As one of North America’s largest contractors, we combine the strength of national resources with a personalized approach and local expertise to meet the needs of each client, no matter the project size. Our network of over 4,900 employees enables us to rapidly mobilize skilled professionals, the latest equipment and customized solutions, allowing us to complete projects efficiently and on time. We pride ourselves on promoting from within, with many laborers advancing to superintendent roles, which fosters loyalty and skill development. Furthermore, competitive and fair pay has helped us retain and recruit skilled workers, even attracting workers from competitors. This approach not only benefits PCL but also strengthens the broader construction market as it positions us to meet challenges and deliver high-quality projects that benefit our clients and communities.
What are your top priorities for PCL Construction on the West Coast of Florida in the next two to three years?
Our top priority in Tampa Bay is water and wastewater resiliency. We aim to assist clients with developing and constructing resilient projects. PCL is currently pursuing over $1 billion worth of work in the next few years throughout Florida, which is a short timeframe. Maintaining a high level of service will help us stay competitive in a growing market.
